25 Meals to Prepare Ahead of Time That Make Weeknight Dinners Easy

Weeknights can feel like a juggling act—between work, errands, and wondering what's for dinner, it's no wonder mealtimes get a little chaotic. That’s where meals to prepare ahead of time come in: a smart, stress-saving solution that keeps your week running smoothly without sacrificing flavour or nutrition. Whether you’re into big-batch Sunday cook-ups or prefer the no-prep convenience of our ready-made high-protein meals, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the easiest (and tastiest) way to reclaim your time—one make-ahead meal at a time.

Why Make-Ahead Meals Work

Between packed schedules, health goals and family commitments, getting dinner on the table can feel like a daily puzzle. Make-ahead meals offer a practical solution—giving you more control over your week without compromising taste or nutrition.

By prepping in advance, you can avoid the last-minute takeaway panic, reduce food waste, and stretch your budget by buying only what you’ll use. It also makes it easier to stay on track with dietary goals. You're far less likely to stray when your fridge is stocked with hearty, veggie-packed casseroles or a warming stew.

For NDIS participants and carers, routine is everything. A ready-to-go meal plan—supported by a trusted NDIS meal provider—brings peace of mind and makes it easier to maintain independence, all while enjoying nutritious, ready-made options that don’t sacrifice flavour.

Whether you're freezing a big-batch dinner or reaching for a Nourish'd meal on a busy night, prep-ahead habits make healthy eating simple.

25 Nourish’d-Approved Meals to Prep Ahead

Make-ahead meals should do more than save you time—they should satisfy your tastebuds, support your health goals and fit easily into your week. Whether you're batch-cooking hearty favourites or stocking the fridge with Nourish’d ready-made meals, a little planning goes a long way. These freezer-friendly, nutrient-packed ideas help you stress less, eat better and enjoy fresh, flavourful dinners whenever you need them.

1. Chicken Masala With Cauliflower Rice

Big on spice, low on carbs—Chicken Masala with Cauliflower Rice is a go-to for anyone who wants bold flavour without the heaviness. This dish is made for quick lunches or easy dinners with tender chicken and aromatic masala spices. It freezes well, reheats in minutes and stays beautifully balanced from first bite to last.

2. Pumpkin Lasagna

Comfort food can still be clever. Pumpkin Lasagna layers creamy butternut pumpkin, tender beef and rich tomato paste into a hearty, nourishing meal that’s big on flavour without feeling too heavy. Cook a tray on the weekend to have delicious dinners ready when you need them—or let Nourish’d take care of it and deliver fresh to your door.

3. Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

There’s something timeless about a stew that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. Slow Cooked Beef Stew combines melt-in-your-mouth beef, root vegetables, and a deeply savoury sauce—ideal for batch cooking or stocking up the freezer. Short on time? Nourish’d have the ready-made version standing by.

4. Portuguese Chicken

Portuguese Chicken is for you if you like your prep with a bit of kick. Juicy, smoky, and full of flavour, it works brilliantly in lunchboxes or portioned for dinner throughout the week. Pair it with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a bold yet balanced meal that reheats beautifully.

5. Chicken Pesto Penne

A one-pot wonder that does it all—Chicken Pesto Penne is creamy, protein-rich and packed with the herby goodness of pesto. It’s a reliable choice for lunch or dinner, especially when time is tight. Pop a few servings in the fridge, grab it ready-made, and skip the prep altogether.

6. Spaghetti Bolognese

A crowd-pleaser through and through. Spaghetti Bolognese is rich, satisfying and perfect for freezing in batches. Pair it with gluten-free spaghetti, and you’ve got a family dinner that always hits the mark.

7. Italian Sausage Gnocchi

This one’s built for flavour and convenience. With tender gnocchi and a rich tomato base, Italian Sausage Gnocchi keeps well in the fridge and makes a superb lunchbox filler or weeknight fallback.

8. Teriyaki Chicken

Savoury and sweet with just the right amount of sauce, Teriyaki Chicken is freezer-friendly and perfect over rice or noodles. Keep portions on hand for no-fuss weeknight meals.

9. Texas Brisket Chilli

If smoky and slow-cooked is your thing, Texas Brisket Chilli is the answer. Rich in flavour and easy to portion, it works with a spoon, across tacos, rice bowls, or on its own.

10. Beef Stroganoff

Creamy, savoury and always a hit, Beef Stroganoff makes dinner feel like less of a chore. It reheats well and holds its flavour, making it perfect for prepping ahead.

11. Naked Chicken Parmi

Big on flavour, low on fuss. Naked Chicken Parmi skips the crumbs but keeps all the comfort. Portion it with your sides of choice and enjoy an indulgent midweek meal—without the prep.

12. Curried Sausage with Cauliflower Mash

Hearty, mildly spiced and perfectly portioned—Curried Sausage with Cauliflower Mash is your freezer’s best friend. It’s a clever twist on a comfort classic that reheats beautifully.

13. Bangers and Mash

When you want simplicity that still hits the spot, Bangers and Mash delivers. Creamy mash and savoury sausages reheat smoothly, making for a no-fuss dinner everyone can agree on.

14. Pumpkin Risotto

A smooth, naturally gluten-free dish, Pumpkin Risotto is perfect for a nourishing meat-free meal. Portion it out for weekday lunches or enjoy it warm for dinner—comfort food, simplified.

15. Satay Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Satay Chicken with Cauliflower Rice balances creamy peanut flavours with a low-carb base for something rich yet light. It’s a great addition to your prep rotation.

16. Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Classic and creamy with a low-carb twist, Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice delivers comfort without the carb overload. It stores well and reheats in minutes.

17. Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

Rich, creamy and full of warming spices, Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice is a classic make-ahead meal for busy nights. It freezes and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners that feel a little indulgent without the effort.

18. Beef Massaman

Rich in spices and even richer in flavour, Beef Massaman is the perfect freezer meal. Slow-cooked to tenderness, it’s ready when you need something warm and satisfying.

19. Honey Mustard Chicken

Mild enough for picky eaters but full of flavour for grown-up tastes, Honey Mustard Chicken is an easy prep option that pairs well with greens, mash or grains.

20. Savoury Mince with Baba Ganoush

This one’s a little different—in the best way. Savoury Mince with Baba Ganoush is smoky, filling, and perfect for portioning. It's great for lunch or an easy dinner.

21. Beef Bolognese Gnocchi

A twist on a classic, Beef Bolognese Gnocchi is rich, meaty and comforting—plus it holds up well after reheating. Keep a few servings on hand and thank yourself later.

22. Korean Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Craving something bold? Korean Sesame Chicken and Broccoli packs punchy flavour and reheats like a dream. It’s a weekday lunch favourite in the making.

23. Pulled Barbeque Brisket

Slow-cooked and smoky, Pulled Barbeque Brisket is one of those meals that adapts to everything—wraps, bowls, sliders—you name it. Freeze in single serves for easy access.

24. Lemon Pepper Chicken

Bright, zesty, and ready in minutes, Lemon Pepper Chicken is ideal for fuss-free prep. It’s light and flavourful and goes with everything from vegetables to salad.

25. Burrito Bowl

Burrito Bowl is the ultimate one-dish wonder, packed with hidden vegetables and spiced mince. It freezes well, travels well, and tastes fantastic—a win-win-win.

Tips for Smart Meal Prep

Meal prep doesn’t need to take over your weekend—or your kitchen. With a few simple strategies, you can save time, reduce food waste and make weekday meals something to look forward to. Whether cooking from scratch or relying on Nourish’d’s help, a few smart habits can make a big difference.

Start with a plan. Consider how many meals you need, when you’ll eat them, and what stores well. Big-batch options like casseroles, slow-cooked stews or one-pot dishes are ideal—they hold up well in the fridge and taste even better the next day.

Use stackable containers and label them with the meal and date. This makes tracking what’s ready to eat and what should head to the freezer is easy. Let meals cool before sealing, and portion them into single serves so you can defrost only what you need.

And when convenience wins out? Nourish’d meals are designed to deliver flavour, texture and balance even after a quick reheat. For the best results, follow our reheating guide to keep every meal tasting fresh from the kitchen.

Ready to Skip Prep? Try Nourish’d

Some weeks, even the best intentions don’t make it to the dinner table—and that’s okay. Nourish’d is here to take the pressure off when life gets full. We deliver chef-crafted, nutritionist-approved meals that are fresh, never frozen, and always ready when you are.

There’s no need to cook, portion or even plan. Just choose your meals, and we’ll do the rest—delivering ready-made options that feel homemade. Whether it’s a slow-cooked curry, a protein-packed lunch or a comforting dinner, our meals are designed to fit into your life, not complicate it.

Need something specific? We've got every plate covered from low-carb and dairy-free to a full range of Coeliac Australia-endorsed gluten-free options.

Because eating well shouldn’t depend on how much time you’ve got in the tank, Nourish’d makes it easy to stay nourished without the prep, stress, or compromise.

Your Shortcut to Stress-Free Dinners

You’ve done the hard part—finding meals that are delicious, nutritious and actually realistic. Whether you’re a batch-cook pro, a fridge organiser or someone who just wants dinner handled (we see you), make-ahead meals are your secret to a smoother week.

And when prep just isn’t on the cards? That’s exactly where we come in. At Nourish’d, we’re proud to be your go-to for chef-crafted, nutritionist-approved meals made with fresh, local ingredients—ready to reheat, no stress required. Whether you're juggling work, family, health goals, or just trying to get through Monday, we’re here to help you eat well with less effort.

So why not mix a little DIY with a dash of Nourish’d ease? Explore our menu and let us do the cooking—so you can savour more of what matters. Here’s to more flavour, fewer dishes and dinners you’ll actually look forward to.

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